My inspiration for blogging came from an unfortunate outcome I had in response to hammertoe surgery 2 years ago. I am a professional dancer, and for years I was frustrated by 2nd toes that were much too long. They were always scrunched up in my dance shoes because they were not in proportion to the rest of my foot. Long story short, I learned that there was a hammertoe surgery that could shorten my toe. This sounded like a fantastic procedure to me….finally I would be able to feel my toes flat in my shoes. I was told I would lose some flexibility in my toe….but it seemed like it would be minor. Well…..I had the surgery…my toes looked like I had always hoped they would. However, as I went through the heeling process I found that my second toes would not bend. Also I was having alot of pain in the ball of my foot (my 2nd metatarsal). As a dancer and fitness enthusiast, this was an awful realization. I had surgery to make dancing more comfortable. This surgery doubled my foot problems…..making dancing practically unbearable. Wearing high heels for dance or fashion is no longer remotely comfortable. It is MUCH easier to find dance and street shoes that fit, but my options are limited due to post-surgery pain. I also cannot dance barefoot due to the ball of foot pain.
I am still dancing, but it is not with as much ease as my pre-surgery days. Going through this physical pain and disappointment with my results has been very traumatic to me. I feel so much guilt for making the decision to have surgery. I feel stupid for thinking it was as easy as the doctor made it sound. I have had bouts of severe depression and anxiety. I am fearful I can’t dance much longer, and I wonder if I will always be in pain. My podiatrist is a good doctor with a great reputation. I am sure he had the best intentions, but clearly this procedure was not for me. I never imagined that there could be such awful side effects.
My purpose for talking about my experience is in hopes that I can help guide someone others also considering surgery. Sometimes foot/ankle surgery can change your life for the better. However, please be aware that foot surgery should be thoroughly investigated. Check all of your non-surgical options.
Now, I do not have any intention of writing many “Debbie downer” posts 
….. but I wanted to share my experience. This experience is teaching my to be grateful for what I DO have, and what I still CAN do. What I do plan on writing are my reviews of different “feet treats” (aka foot supplies) that I’ve tried. Amongst these reviews will be different, foot pads, shoes, shoe aids, orthotics, etc. If it were not for these items I could not be dancing at all or even wear street shoes comfortably. If you feel like your feet are in great condition…that’s FANTASTIC….let’s keep them that way!!
I hope that my unfortunate situation can help guide others on how to be sweet to their feet with my recommendations!
